Consolidated Synth/Midi/Keyboard Technology Thread

[DJ Fusion]

Originally Posted by Xplora

If you can afford the premium to buy a workstation keyboard, this forum is the wrong place to ask. I'm scratching for a 88 key controller for under 400 bucks, and I NEED one.

Another awesome Xplora post....

[chaox]

I'd like to get my hands on a keyboard for home recordings on my laptop. I need something with a reasonable range of styles and effects that'll plug straight into my laptop(either into my soundcard or usb, whichever is easier). I'm not looking to spend more than $300.

Any thoughts?

[Orphan]

I have an Axiom 61, can't remember exactly what I paid for it i'll have a look later, think it was just under $400 but afaik it is the best value midi keyboard in that range and has a lot of decent features. If you just want a cheap pos there are plenty of 49-61 key controllers for under $200.

[cyclonite]

Another Axiom 61 user here. If you're tight on space and/or money I'd suggest you grab a 49 key cheapie and then investing in a trigger finger or pad kontrol down the track.

As for styles and effects, don't bother, do it in your DAW instead.

[chaox]

Just to let you know, I'm not all that savvy with the technical terms and hardware. I don't know what a trigger finger, pad control, or DAW is. I just want to add some keys to my music.

[Orphan]

DAW = Digital Audio Workstation, its basically the program you use to make the sound. The implication is that if you get a cheaper midi controller (doesn't make sound on its on, it only send input signals) you can get a nice DAW program and some VST's which are digital instruments. On youtube search stienberg the grand 2. I think its one of the finest piano VST's around but I'm not sure if its still for sale. For that price range if you want a keyboard with its own sound bank I wouldn't really bother if you any bit serious, go to a music shop and see what $300 buys you regarding keyboards. It gets you a terrible insult to music lol. That said many keyboards also have midi output as well as digital audio output so you can record it directly or use it to control a DAW program.

[bjs]

For $300 you can either get a decent USB keyboard - no sounds, so you'd have to buy some softsynths (eg reason, or softsynths by Native Instruments, Spectrasonics etc and a DAW which you use to sequence/record midi/sysex info, mix etc). Softsynths can sound excellent (software is designed and used by pros these days), but it can be expensive too.

Or an older synth which you would need a midi->usb adaptor. (see vintagesynth.com and synthmania.com for info on the strengths and weaknesses of older synths)

Unless portability is a concern, get a 61 key at least...

[Comma]

It really depends from what angle you're coming from.

Full weight keys will make you a better player, as well as a fuller size (61/88). However the larger ones are heavier and harder to move around.

If you have a Mac, start with Garage Band, it's really useful. Otherwise I think you can get a trial/limited/free version of Ableton/Cubase with some hardware.

[kuruptz]

Hi Guys,

I use an M AUDIO AXIOM 61 via USB, im using on board soundcard (p5e-deluxe).

When recording it doesnt seem to record exactly what i hear, it sounds off but when I play it live it sounds perfect, so I assume im having some latency issues.

Are there any specific settings i need to change or do I need some sort of external sound card for recording midi? (to get rid of latency issues)

It almost sounds like its being quantized so its not exactly where I put it, but to my knowledge both reaper and fruity loops dont auto quantize.

HELP :O

[cacophony]

wow, seems that alot of people have been getting that error with the axioms.

Ive had some customers with the same problem who resolved it via MIDI cable, but quite frankly, its simply your latency.

Ive fixed this before, via changing the sample rate in the sequencer to something lower, try adjusting that rather than the 44.1khz, dw it wont effect the sound.

i only use ableton, reason and pro tools so, im not sure where abouts to go in cubase and FL (because i hate both).

[Edstructicon]

Fruity does have the option to auto snap to grid if thats what you mean? Like in the piano roll, there is the option to set it to snap to grid. You can also drop your latency by dropping down your sample size, but yo ukinda need to play around to find the sweet spot where you have low latency but no pops and clicks.

[cacophony]

behringer BCR2000 and a 61key Blank midi keyboard.

why?

the BCR2000 is fucking awesome, it gives you so much control over your synths (and shitloads more knobs than an axiom will) etc, who gives a shit if its behringer, hell even daft punk use 2 of them to control the moog voyagers.

I use 2 BCR2000's and a 61 blank midi keyboard, made sure it had aftertouch and was velocity sensitive, coming from an axiom 25 myself. i use one for the effects / samples , one for synth controls, and the keyboard to program whatever i need in.

and it only cost me around $600.

If you have a Mac, start with Garage Band, it's really useful. Otherwise I think you can get a trial/limited/free version of Ableton/Cubase with some hardware.

k, for beginners, garageband, but it doesnt have the same flow ANY of the other sequencers do. it's a good introduction to things.

But the thing about cubase, reason, ableton, logic etc is that they all have very similar styles of doing things, but its personal preference between programs imo. then you move onto stuff life pro tools etc

imo trial all 4 and see which you like the best. but the thing about DAW's is theyre good for certain things in certain situations, for example if you made something you think is amazing in reason but couldnt replicate in ableton but wrote rest of the song in ableton , you can just rewire it in.

dont limit yourself to one amigo.

[Comma]

Quantize off (Should be, just check)

And....

Install ASIO Drivers.

[vellanet]

Sorry for the semi hijack but can anyone PLAYERS recommend a 49 Midi keyboard with a decent feel, Wifey hates the feel of the Behringer...

[Comma]

Originally Posted by vellanet

Sorry for the semi hijack but can anyone PLAYERS recommend a 49 Midi keyboard with a decent feel, Wifey hates the feel of the Behringer...

I play live on my Axiom 61. It comes come in a 49 key variety. I used to be a concert level pianist and I think it does reasonably well.